You don’t have to speak the language to love Kpop – or the mania-inducing idols who embody it. Originated in the early 90s, this distinctive music genre from South Korea gained many followers all around the globe. Participate in your favorite South Korean trends right here in the the city by purchasing albums, stationery, and beauty products from the best places to get a piece of Kpop in New York City.
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Koryo Bookstore
Koreaboos come from all over to Koryo Bookstore, the city’s best place to snag the latest Kpop merch imported straight from South Korea. Not only will you find the newest releases from artists such as BTS, EXO, and Girls’ Generation, but you can leave here with everything from pins to nail stickers to calendars featuring your favorite Kpop idols.
Line Friends Store
Surprisingly, it’s BTS fanatics, not tourists, who crowd Times Square’s Line Friends Store. Kpop collectors won’t want to pass up RJ, Cooky, and the other characters from the Korean company’s BT21 line, a collaboration with BTS members. Every BT21 purchase (choose from stuffed animals, sweatshirts, pens, and more) also comes with a free poster featuring the BTS-created character of your choice.
Book-Off
While you may not find the latest Kpop releases at this unlikely Japanese superstore in Midtown, you’re sure to walk away with a hard-to-find older album. Rain, Hey! Say! JUMP, and coveted early albums from the now-disbanded 2AM are some of the treasures you may unearth at Book-Off.
Morning Glory
The everyday products at Morning Glory are anything but commonplace. Here, stationary, pens and pencils, and even toiletries like band-aids and toothbrushes feature the cute characters and designs Korean products are known for. For dedicated Koreaboos, this is what necessities look like.
The Mask Bar
Get in on one of South Korea’s biggest beauty trends at this skincare store dedicated to face masks. The Mask Bar is the perfect place to try the hard-to-find snail gel, collagen, and animal masks your favorite K-Beauty bloggers swear by. For the uninitiated, the store’s recognizable brands such as Tony Moly and Dr Jart+ make for a beautiful introduction.
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Besfren Beauty
Inspired by the Korean fantasy “Moon Rabbit,” Besfren Beauty invites you to “hop into a K-Beauty fairy tale.” The sister store to Koreatown’s popular dessert café Besfren, this boutique is certainly magical, thanks to features including a “Wall of Masks” and a “Fairy Washing Stand.” Like any magical land, Besfren Beauty hosts a unique cast, including carbonated clay masks, escargot creams, and egg white pore foam.
oo35mm
Cult Asian beauty followers tout the stock at oo35mm as the best in New York City. Beauty world-famous brands, including Innisfree, Missha, and Skin Food, earn this packed boutique a loyal following, who return regularly to oo35mm for imported skincare, makeup, and beauty tools.
Aladdin Books
Cost-conscious fans favor this Flushing shop for its affordable albums and posters. While the types of items offered at Aladdin Books are limited, the store’s scope is not: Twice, GOT7, BTS, Big Bang, and Girls’ Generation are just a sampling of the artists represented here. Tip: if the album you’re after isn’t in stock, Aladdin Books will even order it for you and let you know when it’s time to pick it up!
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